The Greene County Schools board of education at a special meeting Tuesday morning voted to approve a resignation agreement with high school principal Brian Phillips.
The vote followed a 17-minute closed session held under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i), which allows elected boards to go into closed session “to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual has requested a closed session.”
Per the resignation agreement, Phillips’ resignation is effective June 30 of this year. His contract had already been renewed effective through June 30, 2024. His last day of in-office work was set as May 27, with paid administrative leave through June 30.
The agreement includes Phillips being paid his base salary of $118,200 and payment of his COBRA family premiums for the 2023-24 school year. Phillips will also receive a cash payment of $19,341.72 for 90 days of accumulated sick leave.
Superintendent Brett Abbotts will also provide Phillips with a positive letter of reference, “upon condition that said letter shall be used by Phillips solely for the purpose of securing future, alternate employment outside the district.” The agreement states the letter will be provided to Phillips by May 26, 2023.
The agreement states it, (the agreement) is a public record under the Iowa Public Records Act “and that this is not a resignation in lieu of termination.”
Phillips notified high school staff of his decision to resign and retire Friday afternoon, May 26, after the school year ended for students. Notice of the special meeting was posted later that afternoon. However, Phillips signed the agreement May 19.
Phillips has been high school principal for 13 years.
